A Bus Bench Battle for Religious Liberty
A pastor from Colorado Springs who has been advertising on public transit benches with Jesus-related campaigns for the past three years, fears he will no longer be allowed to refer to Jesus in the ads if the city, which is now reviewing its policy, determines that it violates the Constitution.
The city of Colorado Springs said Monday it is reviewing the advertising policies of Mountain Metro Transit after Pastor Lawson Perdue of the Charis Christian Center in west Colorado Springs was told last week his ads on bus benches would be barred if they refer to "Jesus," according to The Gazette.
"The city of Colorado Springs is carefully reviewing the advertising policies of Mountain Metro Transit in light of the advertising by Pastor Lawson Perdue of the Charis Christian Center. The city takes First Amendment issues very seriously, and strives to fully comply with Constitutional Law," the city's statement said. "This commitment requires that advertisements and policies are regularly reviewed for content and legality. Mountain Metro Transit recognizes that it acted hastily in asking Pastor Perdue to change his messaging. The city attorney's office is working diligently to ensure that the advertising policies comply with the law. During this review, no action will be taken and Mountain Metro Transit will continue Pastor Perdue's advertisement as they currently appear."
